I had a different type of therapy visit yesterday! My human and I went to the local state university. There were also three dog teams, but the university specifically requested a cat. From what I hear, most of the students liked the dogs, but quite a few of them said they really wished there was a kitty for them to pet. That sounds like something my human would have said, so she was happy to oblige with me.
The lunchtime event was called “Break 4 Paws,” and they had a sign. It said that we “will be visiting the campus to share the joy, comfort and healing power of their wonderful therapy dogs. If you are looking for a break from the stress of the new school year, be sure to stop by to enjoy a therapy dog’s unconditional love.” I’m actually the first cat they have had to one of these, so they are excused for not mentioning kitties.
It took place outdoors, and we had a large shaded area to meet and greet the students. I was set off a ways from the dogs so I wouldn’t distract them. I’m not used to being outside in such an open area, so I was a little nervous. It was very different from being inside an enclosed cat show, where I had my own table and enclosure. But I was happy to meet all the students, and some professors, and they were all very nice. A lot of them were very surprised at how calm I was. Maybe they should have seen me earlier, when I wanted to climb the tree behind us! But once people began coming up and petting me, I stayed put.
I wound up having a nice time, even though there were no beds to jump on like at the hospitals. I met so many students, and lots of them wanted to stay with me past their allotted time. My human and I wound up hanging out a little longer than the dogs and when we got back to the car, I was purring happily. My human would like me to get a little more comfortable outside, so we may do some more outdoor activities.
That sounds like so much fun! What a great thing for the University to do.
You sure have a varied experience as a therapy cat, Summer! This was fun for sure. and helpful to the students too no doubt.
Lucky students! Summer, you bring joy wherever you go.
It’s really nice of your human to share you.
That’s so cool, Summer! I would have loved to have a wonderful cat like you visit me when I was in college.
Sound like everyone had an enjoyable break visiting you, and you got to expand your therapy cat resume to include outdoor school events.
What a great idea, Summer. You have the best work adventures!
I bet you made tons of people happy! Great job! They have given you a diploma!
That sounds like a fun therapy visit, Summer.
Well done, Summer!
Purrs … Rainbow
Yeah, a few purrs will relax those students.
I love how you’re just open to any adventure, Summer. Some of us humans could learn a lot from you too!
That is so cool….mom says she would have loved an event like that when she was in college
What outfit were you wearing? (I think all of your therapy visits are so cool…)
I was just wearing my regular therapy vest this time. One of the dogs – a black lab – wore a snowman outfit! My human just picked up a couple of things for my upcoming visits.
Summer, we know for lots of students that it is time for finals, so we are certain they were happy to get a bit of “cat petting” therapy. You are so generous with your time. And Giving Tuesday was the purrfect time for you to do this. XOCK, Lily Olivia, Mauricio, Misty May, Giulietta, Fiona, Astrid, Lisbeth and Calista Jo
That is so great that you get to do so many cool things. Glad that they added a kitty, too. you are a brave kitty in the outside.
Bloody awesome as per usual
Summer you always come up with some of the coolest things and events to do!
You are going places Summer!
Well done Summer. That must have been a little scary but we are glad you met lots of nice people that enjoyed you. Good for you to do that.
Sounds like you made their day special.
This is great to hear. We know several companies here have had meet ‘n greets with rescue kittens to de-stress workers AND I think Victoria University did it as well.
You are a calm cat, and amazing! I am so glad you visited the students, many probably deny they are stressed so this is a wonderful super secret way to decompress from studies!
Pawsome visit ! Purrs
You do great work, Summer! TW said if I was different, she’d love to take me across the street to the senior housing and let them pet me.
You are so pawsome, Summer! I love that you are using your purrs to help people. I’m a big believer in the healing power of pets. It sounds like you had quite an impact on those students. There will be a kitty (maybe even you) on that sign soon! 🙂
Sounds lovely, Summer. Mum says she wishes she had a cat visit her when she was at school!
Purrs xx
Athena
How cool you are the first cat to do therapy visit there and sounds like everyone had great time meeting you!
Summer those are some smart college kids to want to pet a kitty
and you are just the right one too
hugs madi your bfff
Good for you Summer! Sounds like you enjoyed the experience – they should have awarded you an honorary degree in “ADORABLE” if you ask me!
Hugs, Sammy
Great job, as usual, Summer!
Our mommy would’ve loved to have a therapy break with you when she was in college! It’s wonderful everything that you and your human are doing for so many!
SUMMER! Yes. Your mom can educate them with facts about cats AND very importantly, how to care for them and teach them that cats can’t and should not be treated like dogs. People don’t know that, and many times expect similar behavior from we cats.
How remarkable! What a great idea to invite you girls for a community therapy session, and free too! Mom actually worked in a hospital that had a clinic cat. She loved it. Need stress relief, just pet a kitty, instant relief! You are awesome Summer. And don’t worry you’ll get used to being outside in public in no time. Purrs
That sounds like a fun day. You need a little university sweatshirt 🙂
Wow! That is the coolest bestest thing ever to help people! You must have made the day for so many of those students and warmed their hearts and more. It warms my heart to hear about it. You are pawsome!
Brenda
Isn’t it wonderful to be appreciated? We can imagine how huge a hit you were, Summer!
Purrs,
The Chans
That sounds like a fun way to meet more humans pretty Summer and I know they were thrilled to see you!
You’ve smashed through the furry ceiling! The first feline there, that’s pawsome.
That sounded really fun!
We can see how therapy visits would be good at exam time when students are stressed 🙂
Purrs Georgia and Julie,
Treasure and JJ
Hopefully this kind of thing will inspire a few people to get their own cats.
Sounds like fun!
That’s really cool, Summer!